Landing a spot in the APL is a brand booster for manufacturers—with good reason. The APL is a third-party validated directory of high-quality products. It has become one of the most trusted resources for contractors, specifiers, and asset owners. Products appearing in the APL are vetted to meet rigorous performance standards, and inclusion in the APL enhances a manufacturer’s credibility and broadens its market reach.
 
MPI’s Testing and Listing Program evaluates products against stringent performance criteria. The testing encompasses ASTM methods and assesses attributes such as flexibility, gloss, adhesion, and accelerated weathering. MPI conducts in-house testing to ensure products perform effectively in their intended applications, and most categories undergo biennial testing to maintain the integrity and reliability of the APL. This all adds up to customer trust and brand reliability.

How to Get Your Products Listed
We’ve put together a detailed application walkthrough with all the information you need to get started. In a nutshell, it only takes five steps to go through the APL testing and listing process:

1. Create an Account
Start by visiting the MPI Customer Portal. Click on the “Log in or Sign up” button in the upper right corner and follow the prompts to set up your account. (Or log into your existing account!) Use the “Ask a Question” feature and let the customer support team know you’re a manufacturer and you want to submit products for testing. They’ll create a company account for you.

2. Submit Required Documentation
After account creation, MPI will provide several forms, including the Testing and Listing Agreement and the Manufacturer Contact Form. Complete these documents and return them through the Customer Portal. Once this is done, you’ll receive confirmation that they’re processed, and you can submit applications for testing!

3. Submit Product Applications
To start the testing process, log in to the Customer Portal and select “Submit Application” from the navigation bar. Select a product category and provide product information, including the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and Technical Data Sheet (TDS). For certain categories, physical samples may be required. Ensure samples are properly labeled with the Product Submission (PS) number and include all necessary documentation.

4. Undergo Testing
Once submitted, your product will undergo comprehensive testing based on its category. Testing durations vary. Some interior coatings may be completed within a few weeks, while exterior products requiring accelerated weathering tests can take several months. Expect an average of one to two months for interior coatings and longer for exterior. Throughout the process, you can monitor the status of your application in the Customer Portal.

5. Receive Results and Welcome to the APL!
Upon successful testing, MPI will notify you of your product’s approval. The product will be added to the APL, making it accessible to industry professionals seeking reliable and tested products. If a product does not meet the required standards, MPI provides detailed reports to help you address any deficiencies.

Why Join the APL?
Inclusion in the APL demonstrates that your product has met MPI’s stringent performance standards and enhances your product’s credibility in the marketplace. The APL is integrated into the American Institute of Architects’ MasterSpec and is a go-to resource for professionals seeking top-quality products. Regular testing ensures that listed products maintain their performance over time, and it builds trust among buyers.

Joining the APL is a strategic investment in your company’s quality assurance and market visibility. Having your product validated through MPI's testing protocols and performance standards helps position your brand as a trusted, top-tier solution in the coatings industry.

Want to know more? Check out these resources for New Manufacturers.